
Guyana has again called on the Venezuelan Government to release the 12 Guyanese fishermen and the two boats detained last week by the Venezuelan navy.
The plea was made by Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hugh Todd during a speech to the National Assembly this morning.
He said Guyana “encouraged Venezuela to free our Guyanese nationals and their fishing vessels and refrain from acts that violate international law and threaten the peace and stability of the region.”
Minister Todd further informed the House that he had a virtual meeting with his Venezuelan counterpart, Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza, last Monday to discuss the retention of the fishing vessels and crew and the status of their release.
It was reported that the Venezuelan Foreign Minister had ensured that crew members were treated with the utmost respect for their human rights and was committed to pursuing their early release.
In addition, Minister Todd stated that the Government of Guyana is encouraged and encouraged by the support of the international community on this issue.
Several countries and international organizations have echoed calls for the release of Guyanese prisoners as well as for Venezuela to subscribe to settle the border dispute case through the International Court of Justice.
“Guyana greatly appreciates the support it has received and continues to receive from individual member states of the international community such as Belize, Brazil, Canada, France, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom and The United States of America, as well as through regional and international groups from CARICOM, the OAS, the Commonwealth, the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States and the European Union in its vigorous efforts to preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity, ”he said Todd told the National Assembly today.
According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, his Ministry will continue to engage with the international community to resolve this issue in the most peaceful and diplomatic manner.
On January 21, two Guyanese registered fishing boats – Lady Nayera and the Sea Wolf – operating off the coast of Waini Point within the Unique Economic Zone of Guyana, were intercepted by Venezuelan navy Commandante Hugo Chavez GC 24.
The Captains were instructed to charter a course to Port Guiria where the boats and crew are kept.
The Ministry had said that when it intercepted, boarded and comandeered the Guyanese fishing vessels, a Venezuelan ship was moving illegally within EEZ and the Guyana Adjoining Zone.